Greece Suspends Asylum Applications Amid Surge in Migrant Arrivals

On Wednesday, the Greek government declared a three-month suspension of the evaluation of asylum applications for individuals seeking entry via sea routes from North Africa. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis attributed this decision to a notable increase in landings, particularly from Libya to the island of Crete, with around 2,000 migrants arriving in just the past few days. This sudden influx has placed considerable strain on Greece's reception system, prompting the government to take immediate action. European regulations and various international treaties obligate Greece to assess all asylum requests submitted within its borders. However, Mitsotakis also announced forthcoming stricter laws concerning migrants. Under the new measures, those entering the country illegally will face arrest and detention, with plans to construct a detention center for migrants on Crete. In addition to tightening border control protocols, the Greek government aims to establish direct cooperation with the Libyan coast guard to enhance maritime controls and reduce the number of departures from North African shores. However, the Libyan coast guard, a group of militias notorious for their harsh practices, has faced criticism for potentially colluding with human traffickers, despite its intended mission to prevent dangerous sea crossings. This announcement highlights the ongoing challenges facing Greece and the European Union in managing migration flows while adhering to humanitarian obligations. As tensions rise, many question the effectiveness and ethics of employing military and militia forces to control migration during a humanitarian crisis. The government’s actions come amid a historic ruling concerning migrant pushbacks in Greece, raising concerns about the treatment of vulnerable populations seeking safety. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2